First time at 40! I'm clueless!

[Goose12345]

Hi all,

I have recently found this forum and loving all the advice, support and love everyone shares.

I am just 40 and just started our first round of IVF. Owing to COVID-19, we have never met with the consultants but spoken online etc which, in my opinion, is a little harder to ask questions etc.

I started on Buserelin on the 26th September plus Northisterone for a week. I had a bleed when they predicted and this last week had a scan.

My lining was really thin, too thin to measure and I had 24 follicles in total (10/14). They also found a very small cyst but said if no concern. Apparently results were inline with my AMH which was 20.

My question is, is this good? Should I be concerned about the cyst, and finally I start Gonal F next week (A week today) what should I expect??

Anyone else had similar treatment and results?? Also we are having ICSI.

Thank you all xxx

[Orangeflowers]

Hi Goose, Like you I started the process at 40 and had almost identical results (AMH 20, approx 24 follicles per cycle). I had a very small polyp not a cyst tho. I needed a hysteroscopy to remove the polyp which was delayed due to covid.

Therefore I was advised to go ahead with my one NHS funded IVF cycle in July, which failed, as age is the biggest factor and the polyp small. Had the polyp removed in Sep and awaiting starting my double frozen transfer.

Quality is a big factor to watch out for. I was told I was quite a bit above average for my age getting 20 eggs collected and 14 fertilising. However only 3 embryos made it to 5/6 day blastocyst stage, which was 'disappointing'. There is a note on my record querying 'PCO type' now although I have no symptoms at all of PCOS.

Hope this helps give insight to process and potential hiccups, though tbc, everyone is very different! All the best and good luck 👍💕💗x

[Goose12345 in reply to Orangeflowers]

Hi,

We are potentially very similar! All my tests were out of sync because of covid and I had the ultra sound and internal scan last which found a Polyp. They suggested it was removed prior to starting treatment. This was done in August - they actually found two which, they said, wouldn't have helped us conceive.

I hope that we are able to have enough to freeze in reserve - I'm not holding my hopes on this round - a friend says that I should consider this round as one to see how my body reacts and then future rounds it'll be adapted to suit.

I hope your transfer goes well - it's scary reading all of the other issues than potentially happen and also this is just the getting pregnant stage! Fun to be had ahead!

Ultimately we are trying to stay nice and positive and have a sense of humour about everything - although my husband is not always the comedian he thinks he is!!!!

Thanks again and lots of love xxx

[Alexm06]

Hi! I was not on the same medication as you so cannot comment on that but I did have a cyst that they found on the first scan. They did a blood test to see if it was producing hormones as if it was I wouldn’t the able to start the process. I got the call the next day to say it was all fine and to start injecting. I am now currently 7weeks(I believe) and have my first scan next week so yeah I really wouldn’t worry about the cyst if they have said it’s all fine. Good luck!

[Goose12345 in reply to Alexm06]

Thank you - that's so reassuring!

They didn't even take bloods - said they come an hour and it was very small.

How exciting! I hope to be in the same position but trying not to get my hopes up!

Thanks for your reply xxx

[Sammy246]

Hi Goode12345, I had started IVF at the age of 39 and I must say it's not an easy ride. My ovarian reserve test was 9.9pm. Which I was told was good for my age. I've had two fresh IVF/ICSI cycles.

With any first protocol, it's trial and error, as the clinic isn't sure how your body will react to the medication. But if they keep a close eye they can easily change the dosages etc

Are you on the long protocol or short?

24 follicles is a really good start, but you will see that the numbers do start going down after egg retrieval, not every follicle has an egg, then it depends on how many mature eggs the clinic retrieve, fertilisation (in the instance of sperm issue etc) and after fertilisation then to reach blastocyst stage.

As a heads up as the follicles/ eggs grow you will feel alot of discomfort and you might develop ohss with 24 plus eggs ( I had developed ohss with 19 eggs) but the clinic will keep an eye on it.

Good luck with your cycle xx

[Goose12345 in reply to Sammy246]

Thanks Sammy!

I'm on a long Protocol I think it'll last 5-6 weeks. I've a week more on Buserelin then start the Gonal F - I assume that's when I will grow! I'm feeling pretty tired at the moment but apparently normal. I might keep a low profile during Gonal F time - it sounds hideous too.

Thanks again for you message xxx

[jengi]

I just wanted to say welcome & wish you luck. Your AMH is great so you are starting from an excellent position. I find these websites useful;

theduff.co.uk

hfea.gov.uk

[Blue1978]

Hi Goose, I’m 42 and on my journey for an FET in a couple of weeks. That’s a great amount of follicles I would say x I only had 11 which produced 10 eggs and 2 made it to blastocyst stage,,,,, but we only need 1 to work so fingers crossed 🤞🏻 I personally opted for FET as the hormones and stress levels were high, we have decided to only do ivf the once (for financial reasons) and so I had a feeling my ET wouldn’t be successful, the hormones don’t sit well with me at the best of times 😂. I had a 22mm cyst on my left side the clinic reassured me that it’s not going to interfere in anyway. When I had my EC they drained it the same time. I hope this info helps and good luck with your journey Xxx